Moonshield_
Member
I personally don't see it happening. I think, and I try to say this in the most respectful way I can, that Björn and Anders simply lack a work ethic when it comes to the Studio and composing- not in pure physical terms, but mental. They went through the pandemic without writing any new music- an amazing, ripe time to dwell in your home studio and compose amazing songs. Instead they, again, threw them together in a house in LA off the cuff. Why!? They've noted in interviews that it's really an unfortunate means to an end (playing live!) - so it's something they have to "get through". I somewhat expect that they suffer from a feeling of dread when it comes to writing and make production choices to alleviate that as much as possible.
It seems that Benson makes the actual process of writing and recording an album really smooth and enjoyable. If I were to play armchair psychologist, I think he takes some of the pressure away when it comes to figuring out what is good and what is bad (just that we all here can agree that his version of good is not in tune with our own).
Meaning essentially: working with Benson feels good - it takes away the uncertainty, the nervousness, the creative standstill that can happen when the creative process is entirely on your shoulders. It makes sense, but it also means we're all screwed as In Flames fans because the brine is getting fucked with fundamentally.
Heck- working with Benson has even made the process of replacing members smooth and easy as all of these people are in some way associated or connected with him.
From a fan point of view, the picture you are painting is so fucking depressing
And the worst thing about it is that you're probably 100% right